Gov. Rod Blagojevich said he would veto legislation that tries to slow the growth in malpractice insurance rates by capping some lawsuit awards, an idea being considered by the Illinois House.
“I oppose caps philosophically. The decision on those kinds of matters ought to be left to juries,” Blagojevich said.
He said it is “absolutely necessary” for lawmakers to do something about malpractice insurance costs before ending their spring legislative session.
The Democratic governor said lawmakers should focus on ideas other than caps, such as weeding out frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits by requiring a review before they can go forward or providing state money to help doctors pay the high premiums.
Legislation that included such provisions failed last week in the House. Afterward, lawmakers stepped forward with a bill that included $500,000 limits on awards for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering.
But critics call that a stunt. Even if it passes the House, it is likely to be rejected by the Senate. And even if both chambers approve it, Blagojevich is opposed.
The result, critics say, will be that nothing actually changes but lawmakers still get to tell voters they supported reform.
Malpractice insurance rates have soared, in some cases tripling in a year. Doctors say that the costs are forcing them out of business in Illinois and that they must retire or move to other states that have already addressed the high insurance costs with caps or other measures.
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Legislation Illinois
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